TRF-3 Reinstates PAT Meal‑Voucher Rules for Major Operators

Overview

• TRF-3 president Carlos Muta suspended first‑instance injunctions obtained by Ticket, VR, Pluxee, Alelo and Vegas Card, with a separate tutela for UP Brasil remaining in force.
• Caps now apply: merchant discount limited to 3.6%, interchange to 2%, and payouts to merchants within 15 days, alongside bans on exclusivity and financial inducements.
• Interoperability and open‑arrangement mandates roll out in stages, with transition starting in May and broader integration targeted for November under 90–360 day windows.
• The AGU’s en‑bloc request succeeded, citing about R$8 billion in projected annual savings and a potential expansion of accepting merchants from 743,000 to 1.82 million.
• Operators contend the decree exceeds executive authority and may still appeal to higher courts, while the Labor Ministry warns of sanctions for noncompliance, including fines and loss of tax benefits.